Blogs & News

Weekly Student News Quiz: Super Tuesday, Oscars, SAT and More

This week's news quiz covers a range of topics from President Biden's State of the Union address and the Oscars, to major changes to the SAT and significant international events. Here's a quick overview: President Biden delivered a contentious State of the Union speech, the film "Oppenheimer" swept the Oscars, Haiti is experiencing severe gang violence, the SAT has gone fully digital, Bitcoin's market fluctuated dramatically, New York's Governor Hochul deployed the National Guard to patrol subways, a new trend in pants was highlighted by The New York Times Magazine, and Super Tuesday's significance in the presidential primary cycle was underscored. Additionally, Worcester Public Library's unique cat photo event and a failed proposal to declare a new geological epoch were notable stories.

President Biden's State of the Union Address

President Biden's third State of the Union address on March 7 was delivered before a joint session of Congress. The speech was characterized by its feisty tone, aimed at dispelling concerns about Biden’s age and establishing it as more of a campaign kickoff than a traditional address. Biden displayed optimism about overcoming partisan politics, although he faced heckling from Republicans throughout the evening.

The Oscars: "Oppenheimer" Dominates

The 2024 Academy Awards saw "Oppenheimer" win seven Oscars, including best picture, best actor, best supporting actor, and best director. This film’s dominance in the awards underscored its critical acclaim and popularity.

Haiti's Escalating Gang Violence

Haiti, a nation long plagued by political instability, is currently experiencing one of its worst periods of gang violence. This crisis has plunged the Caribbean country deeper into chaos, exacerbating its ongoing humanitarian struggles.

SAT Goes Fully Digital

A significant change was made to the SAT this week, transitioning to a fully digital format after 98 years. This modernization aims to make the test more accessible and efficient for students.

Bitcoin's Market Volatility

Bitcoin experienced notable market volatility, as highlighted by a recent New York Times article. The cryptocurrency's price fluctuations have been a point of significant interest and concern for investors.

New York City's Subway Patrols

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced that the National Guard and State Police would begin patrolling the subways. This measure aims to enhance public safety and security in one of the city's most vital transportation systems.

The Latest in Fashion: Big Pants

The New York Times Magazine recently featured a cover story on the resurgence of big pants. Titled “Why Are Pants So Big (Again)?”, the article explored the latest trends in fashion, noting the cyclical nature of style preferences.

Understanding Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday, which occurred last week, is a crucial day in the presidential primary cycle when the most states hold their primary elections. This event significantly impacts the momentum of candidates in their bid for party nominations.

Worcester Public Library's Cat Photo Event

In Worcester, Massachusetts, the public library has initiated a unique event where people bring photographs, drawings, or magazine clippings of cats. This initiative aims to raise funds for local animal shelters and engage the community in a creative way.

Proposal for a New Geological Epoch Rejected

After nearly 15 years of debate, a panel of experts voted against a proposal to declare the start of a new geological epoch. The proposed new chapter of history, which aimed to officially recognize significant environmental changes caused by human activity, was not accepted.